New sculpture installed on University

Posted

IOC3_15Sculptor Sculptor Emmett Culligan and The Driessen Group President Vince Driessen shake hands alongside the new landscaping outside the Goodwill Easter Seals store.[/caption]

When people visit the new Goodwill Easter Seals store at 1239  University Ave., they will experience more than just a new place to shop and donate goods and clothing.  They will be greeted by new public art, a gift to the community that reflects the positive energy of the project and the neighborhood.

The Driessen Group, the project developer, commissioned artist Emmett J. Culligan III to design and build a sculpture that was installed amidst the new landscaping outside the store that will enhance the pedestrian friendly atmosphere along the Green Line.

The sculpture, titled “Goodwill,” sits atop a concrete plinth achieving a total height of 8 feet within the trellis pavilion outside the Goodwill Easter Seals store, which is opened slightly to maximize visibility of the sculpture. “Goodwill” has been strategically constructed from polished stainless steel and white marble; materials that display beautifully outdoors and are enhanced by sunshine, water and snow. Also, both are naturally durable materials that ensure the sculpture will withstand the harsh Minnesota elements.

Culligan, an artist who proudly traces his family roots to St. Paul, creates contemporary gallery works and large outdoor public art sculptural works. His art ranges in scale from large monumental public art to small wall hung works.

IOC3_15Sculptor2 Sculptor Emmett Culligan putting the finishing touches on his “Goodwill” piece after installation.[/caption]

“I am excited to have the chance to create a sculpture for a project that brings so many important things together,” said Culligan.  “I was inspired by what Goodwill Easter Seals does by bringing new life to things in a way that benefits the community.  This piece reflects what happens in the store as well as what is happening in the community.”

Culligan discovered his artistic creativity early in life, which lead him to study painting at the Art Students League in New York City and later received his BFA in sculpture from  the University of Colorado at Denver, where he currently resides.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here